Cyclone Pam Update – Status of Some Missionaries Still Unknown

AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND — Reports from Latter-day Saint leaders in Fiji and Tuvalu confirmed today that all missionaries in the Fiji Suva Mission are accounted for and safe following Cyclone Pam’s destructive impact on the weekend.

In the neighbouring Vanuatu Port Vila Mission of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, all missionaries on the main island of Efate are in Port Vila and are safe.

Due to communication lines still being down to the outer islands of the Vanuatu archipelago, contact with missionaries serving in these locations has not yet been made. Efforts are ongoing to make contact with and support these missionaries, Church members and others in these outer islands.

Vanuatu Port Vila Mission President, Larry Brewer, confirmed today that all missionaries in the mission, including those on remote islands, were notified before the cyclone arrived, and moved to the safest location in each respective island.

Many Church members and others on the island of Efate have lost their homes and are sheltering in Latter-day Saint meetinghouses.

Water supplies are being restored in many parts of Port Vila this week. However, power is still out across the nation. Some buildings are being powered by generators.

Military aid flights are coming into Port Vila daily, and some commercial flights will begin into the capital from this afternoon.

Church leaders in Vanuatu and at the Church’s Pacific Area Headquarters are working with governmental and non-governmental organisations to identify needs and provide support.

Those who wish to support the people of Vanuatu may wish to consider donating to the Church’s humanitarian fund through their local congregation or via LDS Philanthropies.

A blog has been set up at the Church’s Pacific Area Headquarters for families of missionaries in the Vanuatu Port Vila Mission so latest information can be shared. These families will be contacted shortly so they can access this blog.